Respirator cartridge service lives for exposure to vinyl chloride

Respirator cartridge service lives (1 ppm breakthrough) were determined for low level (approximately 10 ppm) exposures to vinyl chloride using simple apparatus and an infrared spectrophotometer. Two classes of organic vapor cartridges were tested; six brands which received approval from MESA-NIOSH before July 15, 1975 ahd two brands which were not approved but were available through local safety supply outlets on that date. Cartidges were tested both as they came from the supplier and after being preconditioned for 6 hours. Effects of insult concentration, preconditioning, and absorbent weight were investigated. No cartridge service life exceeded 1 hour; many did not provide protection for even 30 minutes. As a result, the use of cartridge containing half mask respirators for vinyl chloride exposure should be questioned.